Experiencing His Presence

“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20)

Each one of us has experienced a ministry connection where the presence of Jesus was obvious.  As we sat in a hospital room or talked to a homeless person on a park bench, we felt Jesus with us as we talked.  Those times are very special, and they give you the courage and wisdom to speak to life’s many situations.

When Jesus promised to be with us, He knew we would have many discouraging or challenging times that would require strength much greater than what we could gather on our own.  For those anticipated times He promised His presence.

Do you expect the presence of Jesus when you are serving Him?  Sometimes we try to go out on our own strength, and we don’t really expect Jesus to meet us there.  But it’s in those times when we least expect Him, that He shows up and blesses us with His strength and power.

Next time you step out in service, pray for His presence in preparation for, and expectation of, Jesus showing up.

 Can God change your life?

God has made it possible for you to know Him, and experience an amazing
change in your own life.

 Discover how you can find peace with God.

Keeping Our Balance

It's sometimes difficult to keep a balance between “doing” for God and “seeking” God. The story of Mary and Martha demonstrates this perfectly. 

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."  (Luke 10:38-42) 

The text says that Martha was “distracted” with all her preparation. Many times I find myself “distracted” (or attracted) with the doing of ministry rather than seeking the Lord. It’s amazing how much importance we place on busyness! But please understand, Martha was not wrong in preparing for the Lord—doing.  However, the question must be asked, “Did Martha spend equal time enjoying the Lord—seeking Him?”

In Acts 1, there are 120 people in the upper-room fasting and praying for 10 days. In Acts chapter 2, Peter stands and preaches for 10 minutes and 3000 people accepted the Lord. Today, we would rather pray for 10 minutes in the upper-room and preach for 10 days.

There is something to be said about spending time building a relationship with God. Certainly we are to be “doing” for Jesus, but He also wants us at His feet listening, praying, seeking and enjoying Him; a balanced approach.

 

I must confess that at times I find it difficult keeping my balance. Please pray that I will become more diligent in keeping a BALANCED kind of life. I’ll be sure to pray for you as well. 

Can God change your life?

God has made it possible for you to know Him, and experience an amazing
change in your own life.

Discover how you can find peace with God.